Islamabad, Oct 4: Barkaat’s Paris Exhibition Highlights the Intersection of Disability and Artistry. Barkaat’s solo painting exhibition, “Silent Horizons – a journey through brush and soul,” showcased the unique beauty of the intersection between talent and disability at Pakistan House in Paris.
Numerous ambassadors, art enthusiasts, and people from all walks of life attended the event.When he welcomed the guests, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, noted that Silent Horizone demonstrated the rare and exquisite union of artistry and handicap. He continued, saying that it was more than just a painting display; it was a true narrative.
The ambassador introduced the artist and mentioned that, despite being paralyzed and aphasic following a life-altering event that resulted in brain injury some 16 years prior, Barkaat had managed to go on a journey of self-discovery via painting.
He declared that the display was proof of the human spirit’s tenacity. Here, disability was not a barrier but rather the furnace that shaped an extraordinary talent. These paintings showed victory over hardship.
Barkaat painted as a means of communication, but he also pursued other goals, such as earning an M. Phil in Visual Arts from National College of Arts, Lahore, and an honours Bachelor of Fine Arts from Punjab University. He focused on disability in his thesis.
Barkaat has both domestic and foreign exhibitions. Barkaat’s contributions have strengthened Pakistan’s Disability Arts Movement, which is assisting in mainstreaming the importance of art and creative empowerment for the inclusion of individuals with special needs.
A conversation with Barkaat’s sister, Dr. Arshia Ahmad, a neurologist who played a crucial role in his incredible recuperation and artistic journey, was also included in the show. Barkaat shared her tale of art and handicap to highlight a range of challenges, from scientific and medical to social.
The main guest of the event, Ms. Vera Lacoeuilhe, Chairperson of the UNESCO Executive Board, also spoke.The attendees were excited to meet Barkaat, expressed admiration for his accomplishments, and showed a strong interest in his artistic endeavors.
